Data Center Engineer

Selby Jennings; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Selby Jennings is seeking a hands-on Data Center Engineer to support and maintain critical infrastructure in a high-availability environment. You will install and manage servers, storage, and network hardware, rack and cable equipment, and perform hardware upgrades.

The role involves troubleshooting Linux systems, remote maintenance across sites, and contributing to process improvements. Ideal candidates have 2+ years in data center operations, familiarity with networking fundamentals, and

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on data center or infrastructure operations experience.
• Experience with servers, storage, and networking equipment.
• Familiarity with hardware installation, cabling, and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of networking fundamentals and connectivity troubleshooting.
• Experience in production or mission-critical environments.
• Scripting experience (Python or shell) is a plus.
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain server and network hardware.
• Rack, stack, cable, and commission new equipment.
• Perform hardware break/fix, upgrades, and replacements.
• Troubleshoot Linux-based systems and infrastructure issues.
• Support network connectivity and physical layer troubleshooting.
• Execute remote maintenance and operational activities across multiple sites.
• Assist with testing, validation, and deployment of new technologies.
• Document changes and contribute to operational process improvements.

Skills

Data Center Ops

Hardware Troubleshooting

Networking Fundamentals

Linux Troubleshooting

Python/Shell Scripting (plus)

Job description

We're partnering with a leading technology-driven firm seeking a hands-on Data Center Engineer to support and maintain critical infrastructure powering a highly available, performance-sensitive environment.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working directly with hardware, troubleshooting systems, and solving infrastructure challenges in a fast-paced data center setting.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Install, configure, and maintain server and network hardware
• Rack, stack, cable, and commission new equipment
• Perform hardware break/fix, upgrades, and replacements
• Troubleshoot Linux-based systems and infrastructure issues
• Support network connectivity and physical layer troubleshooting
• Execute remote maintenance and operational activities across multiple sites
• Assist with testing, validation, and deployment of new technologies
• Document changes and contribute to operational process improvements

What We're Looking For:

• 2+ years of hands-on data center or infrastructure operations experience
• Experience working with servers, storage, and networking equipment
• Familiarity with hardware installation, cabling, and troubleshooting
• Understanding of networking fundamentals and connectivity troubleshooting
• Experience working in a production or mission-critical environment
• Python or shell scripting experience is a plus
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail

Nice to Have:

• Colocation, enterprise, or large-scale infrastructure experience
• Experience with remote hands support
• Exposure to automation or infrastructure tooling
• Passion for technology, homelabs, PC building, or hardware projects